The aa has urged the Government to introduce safe haven areas on the side of motorways to reduce hard shoulder accidents.

The aa has urged the Government to introduce safe haven areas on the side of motorways to reduce hard shoulder accidents.

Each year, 250 people are killed or injured on Britain's hard shoulders, equivalent to one in nine motorway deaths.

"Motorists feel, and are, highly vulnerable when stranded on the hard shoulder, close to fast moving, heavy vehicles," said Sir Brian Shaw, chairman of the AA's motoring policy committee.

He added: "A practical and low cost solution to the problem would be to introduce emergency refuge areas or M-way safe havens - small areas at regular intervals alongside the hard shoulder, where vehicles could be temporarily parked and protected behind safety fencing."

Last month AA patrolman Stephen Reed was seriously injured after being struck by a lorry while fixing a car on the M25.

This week four AA patrolman were presented with AA Service Medals for selfless acts at the roadside.

Nick Roe, 32, of Branton, near Doncaster. David Burns, 50, of Hullbridge, Essex. John Fowell, 38, of Stockport, Greater Manchester and Bob Morrissey 37, of Bury.

Roger Wood, the AA's managing director, said: "Every one of them winners is a credit to the AA."